Our view: A great tradition — the opening of firearm deer season

Published 6:36 am, Monday, November 14, 2011

For a great number of Michigan outdoorsmen this week, the American way doesn’t get any better than the opening of firearm deer season, which begins Tuesday morning.

Some rural schools cancel school that day so young hunters can get out in the woods for the opener.

Many businesses expect a percentage of their workforce to take the day off so hunters can partake in the opening-day hunt.

It’s a tradition like none other for big-game hunters in Michigan. Families and friends connect at deer camps. Young hunters get their first crack at a big buck. Hunting tales are swapped at a local restaurant. A number of communities across the state see their economies get a shot in the arm over the next two weeks as hunters invade their towns.

It’s a Michigan tradition.

We wish hunters success in their whitetail pursuits. And, as always, we encourage every hunter to be safe and to abide by the state’s regulations for hunters.

The season ends on Nov. 30. That gives hunters 15 days to bag their big buck.